The Peterborough Festival is fast
approaching and this year’s eight-day extravaganza, which runs from
Saturday 28 June to Sunday 5 July, boasts an excellent line-up of
theatrical performances, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The
Rivals, The Impro Show and The Enchanted Forest.

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Summer Fantasy’, which
is reflected in the tantalising list of plays being performed. Mask
Theatre, which has been entertaining the city for 60 years, this
year present an open-air performance of the Shakespearian comedy A
Midsummer Night’s Dream in Central Park. Performances run from
Tuesday 1 July to Saturday 5 July, each evening from 7.30 pm.
Admission costs £5 and £3 (students) and tickets are available from
the Tourist Information Centre, telephone (01733) 452336.

The John Clare Theatre will be
playing host to the Central Theatre Company and its performance of
The Rivals on Friday 4 July and Saturday 5 July at 7.30 pm. The
Central Theatre Company is working in conjunction with Peterborough
City Council’s libraries to promote plays within the city and
Sheridan’s classic comedy will prove a hit with festival-goers.
Tickets cost £6 (£4.50 concessions) and are available from Central
Library. For further details, call reader services on (01733)
864277.

Central Library and Orton Library
will also be hosting Journey into Narnia following the tremendous
success of The Dr Who Adventure. A free, fun, family event, people
will be able to experience the magic of Narnia as their imagination
takes them to the world through the wardrobe on Tuesday 1 July at
Central Library, from 4 pm to 5 pm, and on Thursday 3 July at Orton
Library, from 4 pm to 5 pm. There will be cinema tickets up for
grabs and tickets and can be booked at the host library.

Other theatre highlights include,
The Impro Show and The Enchanted Forest. The Impro Show is being
performed by Peterborough’s very own improvisational comedy group
‘You’re in Control’. Taking suggestions from the audience to create
on-the-spot scenes, songs and even a musical, the group is thrilled
to be performing in Peterborough after stints at the Edinburgh
fringe and in London. The evening will also present the very first
‘Peterborough Impro Award’. The Impro Show is at the John Clare
Theatre on Monday 30 June at 7 pm and tickets cost £3 on the door.

Goldhay Arts will be presenting The
Enchanted Forest at the Cresset, where people will be able to come
and experience the magic, mystery and suspense of this original live
performance. A fantasy play, it will take the audience to the edge
of the natural and supernatural world of nature. Goldhay Arts is a
charity offering adults with learning disabilities the opportunity
to train and develop their skills and interests in the arts. Tickets
cost £5 each (£3 concessions) and are available from Goldhay Arts on
(01733) 762287.

Joseph Ballard, the city council’s
festival and events manager, said: “I am thrilled we have been able
to provide people with such a fantastic mix of performances from
both professional and amateur groups. The festival’s theme of summer
fantasy is reflected well in this inspiring mix and I hope as many
people as possible will take advantage and sample the first class
entertainment on offer.”

The Peterborough Festival will
start with the Mayor’s Festival Parade at 11 am on Saturday 28 June,
when Central Park will be centre stage for the opening weekend.

The festival brochure is available
from the Key Theatre, Tourist Information Centre, libraries and
other outlets. For further information or to express interest in
taking part in any of the events or become a brochure outlet, call
the festival info-line on (01733) 207200 or email
[email protected]